Maharashtra’s Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases Rise to 207, Deaths Reported
The number of suspected and confirmed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Maharashtra has now reached 207, with 180 confirmed cases and 20 patients currently on ventilator support. The condition, a rare and serious disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, has been making headlines across the state as health officials track the outbreak and investigate its causes.
The rise in cases comes after two additional diagnoses were made on Friday, but it is the suspected death of a woman in Kolhapur that has heightened concerns. The 60-year-old woman, who had been suffering from paralysis of the lower limbs, was first admitted to a hospital in Changid and later transferred to Karnataka for treatment. She was returned to Kolhapur on February 11 but sadly passed away two days later. Though her death is not officially confirmed as being caused by GBS, local health officials suspect it was due to complications arising from the syndrome. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is characterised by muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and in severe cases, problems with swallowing or breathing. The disorder can escalate quickly, making it a potentially life-threatening condition. Affected individuals may initially notice weakness or tingling in the legs, which can rapidly progress to affect other parts of the body. In some cases, the syndrome leads to paralysis, requiring urgent medical intervention.
The state’s health department has confirmed that eight fatalities have been linked to GBS this year, but it remains unclear if the recent death in Kolhapur will be officially added to the toll. The BMC health department in Mumbai has sought to reassure the public, noting that while the outbreak is concerning, GBS is typically reported every year. Officials have emphasised that the current situation is not comparable to earlier outbreaks in Pune, where cases were more concentrated. One of the more high-profile cases involved the first death in Mumbai due to GBS this year. A 53-year-old man from the F North ward, covering areas like Wadala and Sion, died in January after being treated for symptoms of GBS at BL Nair Hospital in Mumbai Central. This patient, who had a history of high blood pressure, had visited Pune about two weeks prior to his hospitalisation. Although doctors could not definitively link his condition to the Pune outbreak, the timing of his symptoms raised concerns.
According to Dr Shailendra Mohite, the dean of Nair Hospital, the man was admitted with lower extremity weakness and difficulty breathing, leading to his transfer to the ICU. Despite efforts to stabilise his condition, he passed away after being put on a ventilator. Dr Mohite reassured the public, stating that GBS cases are typically treated year-round, and urged people experiencing weakness to seek medical attention immediately. “We have expert doctors in our medical facilities who are prepared to assist,” he said. While the death toll remains a significant concern, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely. The latest increase in cases has prompted the state health department to maintain vigilance, advising citizens to remain aware of the symptoms of GBS, particularly if they experience unexplained weakness in the legs or difficulty breathing.
The suspected cases, particularly in the Kolhapur and Mumbai areas, highlight the unpredictable nature of the syndrome, and health experts urge anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical assistance promptly. Maharashtra’s health authorities are working to contain the outbreak, hoping to mitigate further spread and prevent more fatalities. With the number of GBS cases in Maharashtra continuing to rise, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and seek timely medical care if they experience any symptoms of the syndrome. The health department is committed to managing the outbreak, but ongoing vigilance and public cooperation will be key to preventing further complications. As always, early diagnosis and intervention are critical in managing conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome, where every moment counts in preventing severe outcomes.
